CHICO — A Chico resident donated a $500 reward to help identify and prosecute the person who hacked down 30 trees in DeGarmo Park, though Wednesday was his first visit there.

"It doesn't matter what part of town I live in, I love Chico," said Bob Brandt, who has lived in the city since the '70s.

The money will go to anyone who provides the Chico Police Department with information that leads to the conviction of the person or people who hacked the trees and fence on Sept. 24, said Jake Preston, Chico Area Recreation and Park District park superintendent.

If after four months police don't have valid tips, the money would go to CARD to help defray the cost of replanting new trees.

"If nothing else, it raises awareness in the community that these types of activities are not accepted by the people in the city of Chico," Preston said.

The trees that were about three years old will cost about $8,500 to replace, Preston said. The fence will tack on another $1,500.

"We're really fortunate worse didn't happen," Preston said. "You look around and with another two or three hours, it could have been 30 more."

Brandt called the vandalism senseless. He hopes that his contribution will spur others to donate $10 or $20 to increase the incentive, he said.

The Police Department can be contacted at 897-4900.

People can mail checks to CARD, with "DeGarmo Park vandalism" in the subject line and a letter stating they want to donate to the reward for the conviction of the vandal, Preston said. CARD's address is 545 Vallombrosa Avenue, Chico, CA, 95926. The donations are tax deductible.

"It was like the tipping point, hearing about so much vandalism," Brandt said. "I had to do something."